Both clubs announced on Wednesday that a fee had been agreed for the striker – thought to be in the region of £24 million – who is due to travel to Manchester on Thursday to complete a medical and put pen to paper on a four-year deal.

And Carrick believes the addition of the Netherlands international could even tip the title odds back in United's favour after seeing local rivals Manchester City claim their first ever championship last season.

"Someone mentioned in the dressing room about Van Persie and if it goes through, it will be brilliant," Carrick told the Daily Mail.

"He had a terrific season and he will further strengthen our squad. It is a great boost going into the new season.

"He is a world class player and we have always been about bringing in players of that ability.

"Can it make the difference between second and first? There wasn't much difference so hopefully we can go that step further!"

Carrick was speaking in the aftermath of England's 2-1 friendly win over Italy – in which Roy Hodgson’s experimental side come from behind to beat the team that knocked them out of Euro 2012.

The United midfielder - making his first appearance for his country since facing Mexico in May 2010 - played alongside his domestic team-mate Tom Cleverley in the youngster's senior international debut, and spoke highly of his performance.

"He was fantastic and I had no doubts that he would have a good game," Carrick added.

"I have seen him every day in training at United and know how good he is and, with his personality, he is ideal for the big occasion.

"He has got a good grounding at United and had played in big games already before tonight."